Showing posts with label Rehab. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rehab. Show all posts

Saturday, May 31, 2008

LOOKING BACK: One Year Ago

NOTE: I was going through my archived emails and I found this email that I sent out one year ago tomorrow so I thought I would post it as a reminder of what I have been through and how far I have come. Praise God!!!

Good Morning to all!

(Writing to you from Lake Havasu…great to be home now more than in PHX as budget talks are winding down and session is almost over. Make a note that we can be reached more easily here in LHC for the remainder of the year.)

Just a quick note to let you know how much I love you guys and am very grateful for your prayers, cards, and emails with sweet words of encouragement. Frank and I are so thankful God has surrounded us with family and friends like you that are faithful and forgiving, focused on the future. By the grace of God, with your support I recently received my 60 day chip from AA and have just over 2 months sober!

I can honestly say that I am thankful that my struggles with alcohol are known to all for the publicity motivated me to seek help. Entering rehab at Calvary Center in Phoenix was one of the best decisions I have ever made. They offer a faith-based program for recovery from alcohol, drugs, and gambling addictions in addition to a more traditional tract. I expected the majority of people in rehab would be from the Phoenix area. Was I surprised to find out that it was exactly the opposite…people from all over the country made up the majority of the clients! Apparently Calvary Center has an outstanding reputation (including being praised on the Dr. Phil show) and costs only a fraction of the price of other 30 day programs. God is working there…what a wonderful place!

Click on this link http://wwwdev.psysolutions.com/facilities/calvary/site/ for more information.

I am sure that many of you are curious about my legal situation and so I will give you the straight dirt as opposed to the half-baked stuff you find when you “Google” my name. The truth is that I am in legal limbo. No charges have been filed as of yet, no prosecutor has this case, no court assigned, that is besides the court of public opinion. Some folks think that because of this lack of action that I am getting special treatment. I can tell you this, I would rather the process commence ASAP. I made a horrid decision to drink and drive and am not attempting to escape prosecution, not at all. The actions of the La Paz county prosecutor have caused the delay; he created a conflict of interest when he emailed me shortly after my arrest and now outside authorities are involved. Though I wish this consequence of my poor judgment behind me, I know for certain that my timing is no match for God’s timing and that my future is in His hands. It is unfathomable but Frank and I have great peace despite the unknown and that only comes from Him.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:6-7).

From the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, pp 83-84
"We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness. We will not forget the past nor wish to shut the door on it. We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace. No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others. That feeling of uselessness and self-pity will disappear. We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows. Self-seeking will slip away. Our whole attitude and out-look upon life will change. Fear of people and of economic insecurity will leave us. We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us. We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves".

Again, thank you for your love and forgiveness,

Trish

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Calvary Center ~ Recommended Rehabilitation

Calvary Center is the affordable, faith-based residential treatment facility in Phoenix for substance abuse where I sought treatment a little over a year ago. Calvary Center offers a wonderful 30 day multi-faceted program which includes individual and group therapy, educational lectures, Bible study, and AA meetings. Every once in a while, I like to mention this rehabilitation facility both to remind myself of where I have come from and also to offer an option for those who are still struggling with addiction. If you have any questions at all about Calvary Center or my experience there, please feel free to call or email me with your questions.

From their website: "Since 1964, Calvary Center has been a leader in Christ-centered recovery. Calvary's affordable, proven treatment program addresses the practical, physical, and spiritual aspects of addiction and problem gambling, setting the stage for long-term recovery and restored family life. Addiction and problem gambling destroys families and lives…we see it every day. There truly is hope for alcoholics, drug abusers and problem gamblers and we can help you take the first step. Call us and ask about Calvary Center at 602-279-1468 or 866-76-SOBER. It may be the call that will change your family forever."

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Up Close with Trish Groe

I was featured in the April 4th addition of the Capitol Times to mark my one year anniversary of sobriety.

Arizona Capitol Times - Serving Arizona's Business, Government and Political Community since 1946

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

The Road to Recovery

This year has been a rough one, though I brought it all on myself. I have not written about my battle with alcohol, my arrest, my legal situation, or the state legislature. Because I desire to write about the latter, I find that I first must address the former.

Because my legal situation is yet to be resolved I will write about my arrest once and only once on this blog. I will open the comment section and publish all comments, no matter what your opinion, if they are civil and without profanity, lies will be deleted. Any questions regarding Calvary Center, the rehabilitation center I attended can be answered by their staff at Calvary Center. The toll free number is 866-76-SOBER.

On the evening of March 22, I was arrested in Parker, Arizona for driving under the influence. I was taken to the La Paz County Sherriff’s office. My car was towed and impounded. I thank God that I was stopped and give great thanks that I did not injure others by my appalling behavior. I was released several hours later into the custody of a family member who lives nearby. From what I have been told, this is standard operating procedure for the La Paz County Sherriff’s office.

Approximately one week later I took a leave of absence from the state legislature and entered Calvary Center, a 30-day, faith-based rehabilitation facility located in Phoenix. Although I regret missing time and votes at the Capitol, I am confident that I made the right decision. The staff at Calvary Center taught me the skills I needed to successfully battle my addiction to alcohol and at this time, I am over 4 months sober. If someone you know has a problem with alcohol, drugs, and/or gambling, Calvary Center is the place for them. It costs a fraction of what other facilities charge but the doctors, therapists; the entire staff in fact, is top notch. People from all over the country, from all walks of life comprised the patient population.

Though I focused on my recovery by attending daily mandatory meetings, lectures, group therapy, bible study and work therapy, I was also able to touch base with my colleagues for brief periods of time (by email) in order take part in the budget process. I also was allowed documents pertaining to the state budget along with any priority mail from constituents.

After my rehabilitation I resumed work at the legislature. I reinstated my driver’s license, which had been suspended for 30 days after my arrest, by applying for a 60-day restricted license. This allowed me to drive back and forth to work. 90 days have passed and I now have no restrictions on my license.

No charges have been filed against me yet. I expect charges to be filed any day now. I do not know the reason for the delay. I do not know the gentleman who will be prosecuting my case. Most of what I learn about my case I read in the paper.

At times I feel my life is in limbo, not knowing what the future holds and yes, this is all of my doing. I can’t dwell on this though as it does not make for a very productive day, in fact, it does no good at all. Besides, from the amount of email I get, there are so many others who have taken up this cause. What I know is this…I made a horrible mistake in drinking and driving. I put countless others at risk with complete disregard. I have no excuse. I am sorry for that and sorry for betraying the trust of all who counted on me. I am a Christian and a leader and my behavior has not reflected either. I do not know if I will be able to retain my position. Certainly there are those who desire for me to step down. I will not. This decision is not borne out of pride but of the knowledge that I have been effective as a conservative republican. I stand by my voting record, my awards, and accomplishments. I am not boasting, instead using them as a testament to my effectiveness.

So for now I work, doing the good work I have been blessed to do. I focus on the good in my life and the good I can do for others. I celebrate my good fortune every day which includes my family and friends, my God, my sobriety, and my work. In whatever situation I am learning to be content.